Commuter and Parking Services

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my bicycle with the City of Ithaca or the Village of Cayuga Heights?
What is the charge?
Where do I register my bicycle with the City of Ithaca or the Village of Cayuga Heights?

Are there special rules for skateboarders?
As an in-line skater, what rules do I follow?
Where can cyclists and skaters get more information about cycling and skating on the Cornell Campus?

Why do I have to register my bicycle with Cornell?

It is a positive means of identifying and returning your bicycle in case it is lost or stolen.
Often, insurance policies will not cover the loss of a bike that is not registered with local authorities.
The more bikes registered, the more leverage in obtaining bike lane planning, racks and cycling programs.

Is there a charge?

What do I need to register my bicycle?

Complete an online bicycle registration card. You can also register your bike over the phone by calling 255-PARK or by sending an e-mail to transportation@cornell.edu. You will need the following information: make, model, wheel size, colors, style and most importantly serial number from the frame of the bike.

Where do I find my serial number?

The serial number is often stamped into the metal frame on the underside of the bottom bracket (by the pedals), sometimes on a chainstay, the seat tube or the head tube. Do not record the model number if you can't find the serial number.

What do I do if I don't have a serial number?

If you do not find a stamped/engraved number, you may go to Cornell Police at Barton Hall for assistance in having a number engraved.

Do I have to register my bicycle with the City of Ithaca or the Village of Cayuga Heights?

Yes. Local ordinances require that bicycles operated in the City of Ithaca or in the Village of Cayuga Heights be licensed.

What is the charge?

The non-transferable license cost is 50¢ for either the city or village license, and each is valid for a pre-scheduled two-year period or any part thereof.

Where do I register my bicycle with the City of Ithaca or the Village of Cayuga Heights?

Licensing may be done with the Ithaca Police Department, 120 East Clinton Street, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or with the Village of Cayuga Heights Police Department, 836 Hanshaw Road on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Where can I park my bicycle on campus?

Any bicycle rack. In an approved bicycle storage area in a residence hall.
In other buildings, only with written permission from the building coordinator or director.
Be sure to avoid life safety zones, fire hydrants, fire lanes, or other emergency zones, as well as service drives, building entrances, walkways, ramps, and passageways used for wheelchairs, pedestrians, and emergency or service equipment.

What kind of lights are required to ride my bicycle at night?

A headlight and a taillight are required by NYS vehicle and traffic law. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended.

Do I have to wear a helmet when I am riding my bicycle?

State law requires helmets for bicyclists up to the age of 14, and it is recommended for all others.
Fact: Most serious injuries or deaths related to bicycle collisions are due to head injuries. Consider what you're investing in your college education; consider your future with head injury.

Are there special rules about riding my bicycle on the Cornell campus?

Riding a bicycle on any sidewalk is prohibited by municipal law. Cornell University has designated some pedestrian walkways as shared walks. These are marked with yellow symbols. Cyclists may ride, but must yield the right of way to pedestrians.

Are the rules different than the City of Ithaca's?

All regulations in the City of Ithaca apply also to the Cornell campus. The City of Ithaca, off-campus, does not have any designated shared sidewalks.

Can I ride against traffic on the road?

No. A bicycle is considered a vehicle by NYS traffic law. Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers.

What is the meaning behind the different colored symbols?

Yellow symbols denote a shared pedestrian walk.
Red symbols denote a dismount zone. Cyclists are not generally permitted to ride on sidewalks. Areas marked with red symbols are those areas where special conditions require re-enforcement of this prohibition.
White symbols with a bicycle symbol denote a lane within a roadway that is specially reserved for cyclists.
The Cornell Bicycle Map illustrates the network of pathways available to cyclists.

As an in-line skater, what rules do I follow?

At Cornell University, in-line skaters and skateboarders are allowed to use shared walks and unmarked sidewalks with caution and must always yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Skaters are not allowed in dismount zones, marked with red symbols or signs.
NYS vehicle and traffic law allows in-line skaters the same rights and privileges to the roadway as cyclists and motorists and requires in-line skaters to follow the same regulations.

Are there special rules for skateboarders?

Skateboarders are not regulated by NYS vehicle and traffic law. However, campus policy limits their use to marked shared pathways.

Where can cyclists and skaters get more information about cycling and skating on the Cornell Campus?

Continue browsing these web pages. Most bike information can be found here.
Cornell Police Headquarters, G-2 Barton Hall. Or, the bike patrol page.
Commuter and Parking Services at 116 Maple Avenue is a clearinghouse for numerous publications.